A Brief History of Swimming Pools

 

The earliest public water tank in the ancient world is the Great Bath. Found in the 1920s, it existed more than 5,000 years ago in Mohenjo-Daro (a core epicenter of the Indus civilization) Pakistan. Measuring almost 40 feet by 23 feet with a depth of nearly eight feet, two sweeping staircases lead down into the pool. Its significance is unknown, but historians generally link it to ritualistic or religious bathing of sorts. The ancient city featured numerous baths (most homes had restrooms) and a complex sewage system, suggesting that cleanliness and bathing was a priority for the indigenous people.

Ancient Greeks and Romans perfected the pool landscape, as individual wealth increased and luxuries were effortlessly implemented. Beyond aesthetic and enhancement of the property, pools were also used for bathing, war training, maintaining health, religious ceremonies, socializing, and much more. “Palaestra” were ancient Greek open-court wrestling or boxing sites that usually included pools for exercising, bathing, or socializing. Plato felt that every Greek child needed to learn how to swim along with a proper education in mathematics, writing, astronomy, etc. Starting in 400 B.C., it was standard to teach children to swim in pools.

In the 1800s, the British National Swimming Society introduced competitive swimming. New swimming strokes and kicking techniques were introduced, which lead to increased speed. In 1896, the Olympic Games in Athens, Greece introduced swimming as its own event.

Texas houses one of the oldest in-ground pools in America. Deep Eddy Pool in Austin has a bathhouse built during the Depression by the Works Progress Administration. Today, it’s still a popular pool maintained by the City of Austin. It is listed as a historic landmark on the National Register of Historic Places.

In 1907, the first recorded above-ground swimming pool was constructed by the Philadelphia Racquet Club. It, too, is on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979.

The first pool to cross the Atlantic Ocean was installed on the Adriatic cruise ship from White Star Lines in 1907. The sister ship, The Titanic, also boasted a pool.

Following World War II, swimming pools became mainstream in America. They can be found in nearly every country in the world. The National Swimming Pool Foundation estimates more than 10 million swimming pools across America, including more than 360,000 year-round pools.

 

Pound Pool Plastering offers free estimates and complete pool renovations. Dale Pound, owner, personally oversees each pool project to ensure the highest quality is delivered. We offer Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Hydrazzo, Marcite, Pebble finishes, Bead Crete, tile choices, coping stones, etc. We are pool renovation experts - contact us today at 248-476-4544 or poundpool@sbcglobal.net.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Pandemic Pool Remodeling Is All the Rage

 

The sharp decrease in travel to exotic places with beaches or pools has caused many Americans to look elsewhere instead: their back yards.

Searches for pool and spa professionals are up three times from what they were a year ago. Sheltering-at-home orders during the COVID-19 pandemic have influenced the high demand for home improvements and remodeling.

More than three-quarters of all U.S. homeowners have done some sort of home improvement project during the pandemic, according to a report. A majority of those homeowners who responded said they plan on starting a new project in the upcoming 12 months. They attributed the motivation to an increase in spare time, adding value to their home, and making the house more comfortable. Pools increase property values and are clean, fun spaces for the family.

Even Wall Street investors are taking note of the soaring pool industry. Poolcorp, an international distributor of swimming pool supplies, parts, and outdoor living products hit an all-time high recently, and is up over 54 percent from last year. POOL stock is on its way to have its best year since 2003.

Pool remodeling projects are expected to climb during the fall and winter months, as these are typically the busier seasons; read one of our previous blog posts to find out why.

Are you looking to remodel or redesign your pool before next season? The time is now! Contact the professionals at Pound Pool Plastering to schedule an appointment today. To read more about the pool remodeling sensation sweeping the nation, read the original article by CNBC.

Pound Pool Plastering offers free estimates and complete pool renovations. Dale Pound, owner, personally oversees each pool project to ensure the highest quality is delivered. We offer Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Hydrazzo, Marcite, Pebble finishes, Bead Crete, tile choices, coping stones, etc. We are pool renovation experts - contact us today at 248-476-4544 or poundpool@sbcglobal.net.

 

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

 

Properly Winterize a Pool in Six Steps

With the crisp fall breeze upon us, winter will be here before we know it. Typically, pools are closed in the late summer or early fall. The process, called winterizing, helps protect pool’s structure from costly damage related to freezing water. It’s also a great way to ensure your pool is clean and ready for next year’s season.

Read the step-by-step winterizing process below:

1)    Balance water. Ensuring your pool water chemistry is correct can circumvent laborious maintenance issues when you re-open in the spring or summer. Pool testing kits are essential for this step. Levels such as pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and more are crucial to assess. Incorrect chemical imbalances can lead to corrosion, effect comfortability, and promote algae growth. Winterizing chemicals can help keep your pool water balanced.

 

2)    Add a shock treatment. Chlorine is critical to pool water quality by preventing algae, breaking down bacteria, and keeping the water clean and fresh. Shocking pool water consists of adding a large amount of chlorine (10 to 12 PPM), then waiting a day or two for the PPM to be a normal level (1.5 to 3.5 PPM.) For best results, shock your pool a few days before you plan on shutting it down.

 

3)    Remove/clean tools and accessories. Remove all skimmer baskets, heaters, slides, wall fittings, vacuums, pool cleaners, ladders, and handrails. Clean well, allow to dry thoroughly, and store in a secure, dry place. After removing the equipment, collect debris from the pool using a net.

 

4)    Lower the water level. Use the filter pump or submersible pump to lower the water level in the pool. It needs to be roughly four to six inches below the plumbing line, which is normally the water return line. Ensure the water is below the skimmer; the above-ground skimmer can be removed.

 

5)    Drain your pool equipment. Your pool pump, filter, heater, and chlorinator have drain plugs. Drain manually or blow water out with a Shop Vac or something similar. Wash your filter and store during the winter. If you have a chemical feeder, drain and empty it.

 

6)    Add a winter cover. Solid pool covers keep out debris, block the sun, and discourage algae growth. Air pillows fit under the cover and help to relieve pressure and protect the pool’s walls as the water freezes. Air pillows also minimize the number of leaves, debris, and water that collects in the center of your pool cover.

Have more questions about winterizing a pool? Look no further; contact the experts at Pound Pool Plastering who can assist with winterizing and renovations.

 

Pound Pool Plastering offers free estimates and complete pool renovations. Dale Pound, owner, personally oversees each pool project to ensure the highest quality is delivered. We offer Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Hydrazzo, Marcite, Pebble finishes, Bead Crete, tile choices, coping stones, etc. We are pool renovation experts - contact us today at 248-476-4544 or poundpool@sbcglobal.net.

 

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Why Fall is the Best Time to Renovate a Pool

As the weather starts to cool down and the crisp fall breeze fills the air, pool owners slowly begin to close them until the following year. Perhaps any ideas of renovating a pool go by the wayside; once the pool is closed, there might not be a second thought about it until spring. As the weather warms up and the pool is reopened in spring, many owners are suddenly reminded of the renovations they thought about last year. Instead of missing out on valuable pool time, they push the idea off another year…and the cycle repeats itself.

Thankfully, there is a way to remedy this trend. Instead of suffering through deferred maintenance, autumn is the ideal time to give your pool a facelift. Why? Read on…

First, a fall pool remodel minimizes the amount of time lost using your pool during peak season. When a pool is under construction, it’s decommissioned until the project is completed. In Michigan, outdoor pools are generally not in use during the winter anyway, so it’s a win-win.

Home improvements of any kind are typically anticipated to be quick and seamless, but that’s not always the case. In the summer, construction crews can sometimes be pressed for time due to several circumstances. The fall relieves many of those weights as the pool will not be in high demand, and the construction team will have time to focus on the project at-hand. The best part? The pool will be beautiful and ready to use in the spring – like magic!

Lastly, many homeowners replace or refresh plants, shrubs, and other landscape features around their pools in the fall. If the homeowner is considering refreshing the green area around the pool, a fall-time renovation is a perfect opportunity to ensure everything coexists beautifully. Minor pool updates such as tile and coping usually do not affect the landscape, but that might not be the case with a more extensive remodel. With potential heavy machinery and crews on the premises, it’s wise to schedule both backyard updates simultaneously; the refreshed landscaping and pool renovation will complement each other nicely.

Looking to renovate your pool this fall or thinking about how it can be updated before next season? Contact the experts at Pound Pool to schedule a consultation today.

Pound Pool offers free estimates and complete pool renovations. Dale Pound, owner, personally oversees each pool project to ensure the highest quality is delivered. We offer Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Hydrazzo, Marcite, Pebble finishes, Bead Crete, tile choices, coping stones, etc. We are pool renovation experts - contact us today at 248-476-4544 or poundpool@sbcglobal.net.

 

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Five Ways to Enhance your Pool

 Pools don’t need to be completely torn out and re-designed to update their aesthetic. There are plenty of ways to change the look of a pool – even on a budget. If you are searching for ideas, read our list below for some inspiration.

Swim-up bars: These drink bars are installed on the inside of the pool. If your pool is the neighborhood or family hangout, guests will enjoy refreshing, cold drinks while relaxing in the water.

 Dark pool interior: There are a few reasons dark pool trends are on the rise. First, they are a nice contrast to waterfalls, rock arrangements, and other landscape fixtures. Second, dirt and debris are not quite as noticeable compared to pools with lighter finishes. Lastly, dark pools absorb and retain sunlight, making them more heat-efficient.

 Shallow areas: Some people enjoy pools by sitting on the edge and letting their feet dangle in the water. Installing a foot-deep shallow depth area will allow people to relax on beach chairs, for example, while refreshing water flows beneath them.

 Smart lighting: Many people enjoy their pools in the evening, which usually requires some sort of lighting. Beyond flipping light switches, you can now control where the lights are placed, in addition to adjusting the color. Some smart lights even have apps that can be accessed from smartphones. The ambiance of your pool will surely improve with specialized lighting.

 Saltwater pools: We all know pools contain chlorine, but did you know some pools are made up of saltwater? Saltwater pools require far less maintenance and aren’t as harsh on the eyes or skin as chlorine pools typically are.

Want to discuss options and look into renovating your pool? Pound Pool staff are pool renovation experts. Contact us today at 248-476-4544 or poundpool@sbcglobal.net.

Pound Pool offers free estimates and complete pool renovations. Dale Pound, owner, personally oversees each pool project to ensure the highest quality is delivered. We offer Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Hydrazzo, Marcite, Pebble finishes Bead Crete, tile choices, coping stones, etc.

 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

What You Need to Know When Considering a Pool Renovation

If you are considering a pool renovation, we've got you covered. An updated pool can allow for more functionality and enjoyment, but it can also enhance your home's value. In this article, we list seven things you can do to upgrade and renovate your pool.

• Resurface - If you want to restore your pool's full beauty and get rid of cracked or rough surfaces, a complete resurface with a professional pool renovation and pool plastering company should be considered. Pools with a vinyl interior can have a replacement liner installed – and with a new pattern, you can completely transform your pool overnight. Fiberglass pool owners should consult with a PHTA professional for the specific products that will bring new life to your pool.

• Add Water Features - Installing a waterfall or fountain can bring the natural sound and beauty of water flow in your pool's environment. Features like a rushing spillover bring a bold focal point and add another dimension to an otherwise soundless and ordinary pool.

• Add a Hot Tub - A hot tub in or near your pool will dramatically enhance the pool area. Allowing the option of either a pool or a hot tub for your guests to choose will be appreciated for those people who prefer relaxing in a hot tub over a pool. Hot tubs also bring other benefits to the table, such as warm water therapy for injuries, muscle tension, and other therapeutic benefits.

• New Tile - Installing new tile can offer one of the most noticeable upgrades in appearance from a visual and aesthetic viewpoint. As with a backsplash upgrade in a kitchen, adding new tile will make your pool stand out like never before. 

• Add Surrounding Environmental Features - There is so much you can do to enhance your pool area's surroundings. If you don't have a deck, now might be the time to consider adding one. If your pool area has a concrete patio, you can fill cracks or brush up the stressed areas with filler, followed by a layer of concrete stain. Think about adding a fireplace, outdoor bar/tiki area, and a media system that could have both audio and video elements. The options are endless, and adding small environmental features can transform the pool area into a mini paradise for you and your guests! 

• Lighting Upgrades - There are many benefits to adding enhanced lighting to a pool other than offering better illumination. Lighting can improve safety, set atmosphere, and bring another layer of elegance to your pool's environment. For special nights, halogen and fiber optic light can bring ethereal dimensions to your poolscape. If you don't want to install or upgrade to a new lighting system, LED replacements added to your existing light system can add color and movement to an otherwise static and 'normal' lighting system.

• Technology - Elements of tomorrow's pool are already here, and you would be surprised at what's possible. Digital controls, apps, WIFI, and voice command control integration for lighting and basic pool operations are already available. With the touch of a button on your smart device or command with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, you can set up many activities you would have to do manually. New robotic cleaning systems that walk on the surface of your pool require practically no supervision and little maintenance. Advances in technology will only get better and more automated as time goes on, so it's worth looking into if you want a genuinely modern pool area. 

It's worth noting that you don't have to do all of these things at once, and upgrades can be done over several seasons. If you’re considering updating your pool, consult with a professional pool renovation company like Pound Pool Plastering Inc. They can help you put a plan together in terms of design features and budget forecasting, and you will be surprised at how much your pool could change within just a few years!

5 Tips for Keeping Your Pool Maintained this Year

If you own a pool, you know how much work it is to maintain and keep clean. Making sure you have the right chemical balance, keeping debris out of the water, and continually cleaning the filters are regular routines every pool owner needs to do, no matter how old the pool is. This article discusses five pool maintenance tips that can help you right now. No matter if you just opened for the first time or have had your pool for years, the below tips will kick off your season right.

1.       Skimming, Scrubbing, and Vacuuming - Keeping your pool clear of leaves and debris seems obvious, but surprisingly a lot of pool owners don’t do this often enough. To keep your pool presentable and welcoming, skimming, scrubbing, and vacuuming should be done daily. Additionally, using a pool scrubber to remove dirt and algae should be done daily as well.

2.       Cleaning Filters - You can think of your pools filter system as a kidney – it’s constantly working to remove impurities. You’ll want to turn the filter system off to remove all the debris from the filter basket and spray off your pump filters at least once a week. Also, merely setting your pump system to “backwash” allows for water to drain from the pool and removes any debris that may be re-circulating. Backwashing should be done at least once a month.

3.       Adjusting Chemical Levels - A proper chemical balance is essential to maintaining the cleanliness of your pool water, prevents algae from forming, protects the liner, and supports many other essential functions. Imbalanced water will become murky and can irritate the skin and eyes, and can cause your pool to become a breeding ground for bacteria.

It is best practice to test your water weekly to determine what chemicals may be required and make any adjustments needed. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), these chemical levels need to be maintained: Cyanuric Acid, Free Chlorine, Acidity/Alkalinity, and Calcium. With all the chemicals properly balanced, the water should be crystal clear, odorless, and leave little to no residue on your skin.

4.       Keeping Clear Water - Many things can cause your pool’s water to become cloudy and lack proper alkalinity control. However, pool veterans know you don’t have to go to the store every time an issue arises with your water. One of the “hacks” many pool owners know is to use baking soda to help balance and maintain the alkaline levels. Regular baking soda does the same job as sodium bicarbonate for only a fraction of the price and it can help clear your pool water effectively without breaking the bank.

5.       Using Shock - Shocking refers to drastically raising the chlorine levels for a short period to kill algae and bacteria. It’s done by adding high levels of concentrated chlorine to a bucket and slowly pouring it into the pool’s return line. Additionally, using granular solid chlorine packs of shock and sprinkling it around the perimeter of the pool slowly (not letting the granulates touch the pool liner), is also an effective way to add shock.

Keeping a pool in good shape may seem like a lot of work, but if done consistently, it becomes less of a burden and is manageable. Regular maintenance ensures that you will not have to spend money on a new liner, pool plaster, or a new filter system. To read more on essential pool maintenance tips, click here.